4,000. This is the total number of disputes identified by the local associations of UFC-Que Choisir on the only sector of energy renovation works, between February 1, 2019 and March 20, 2020. The consumer defense association, which sees an increase in scams and deceptive marketing practices, has reissued its ranking of the worst companies in the sector, based on complaints processed by its volunteers. Abusive telephone and physical door-to-door sales, largely overestimated energy savings calculations, poorly done work, etc. Business practices are now well known. “The pattern is almost always the same: the direct seller starts by touting the merits of his business, then calculates huge energy savings after work and promises to obtain state aid to convince you, storm Matthieu Robin, project manager at UFC-Que Choisir. The problem is that consumers often don't know about it and that the amount of work is generally high. ”
One of the most recurrent is the problem of obtaining aid. The professional, concerned that you accept his quote, assures you that state subsidies will reduce your bill. There are indeed many systems, national or local, which allow you to reduce the burden of your work. This is of course the case with Energy transition tax credit, new public aid MaPrimeRénov, aid from your communities or private subsidies from Energy Saving Certificates (CEE). However, almost all of them are subject to one criterion: that the professional carrying out the work carry the RGE label (recognized as guarantor of the environment). Problem: many companies do not have this certification and rely on other trusted labels (QualiPac, Qualisol, QualiPv, etc.) to demonstrate their seriousness. But in the end, the customer cannot receive any help and the bill explodes.
>> Read also – The boom in energy renovation scams… and how to protect yourself
Other companies go even further, competing in ingenuity to deceive their little world. Some play for example on their own name, close to that of public agencies, such as the Environment and Energy Management Agency (Ademe), and play on the confusion table. They then say they were commissioned by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition or even by the European Union, to come and make a diagnosis of your house and offer you energy saving work. Difficult, when you don't know anything, to hang up on such bodies … A word of advice: if you are one day approached by such companies, check the identity of the company contacting you and the quality of its services.
>> Read also – Windows and photovoltaic panels: figures that overwhelm craftsmen
As a reminder, the government launched at the end of 2019 a plan to fight against energy renovation scams, which results in particular in a strengthening of controls by the fraud prevention services. A bill by centrist deputy Christophe Naegelen, relating to the regulation of telephone canvassing and the fight against fraudulent calls, should in turn ban all telephone canvassing in the sector. The text, which was due to return to the Senate in March, should however be delayed due to the current health crisis.
>> Our service – Save on your electricity and gas bills with our Energy comparator
— to www.capital.fr